As a 37 year old, father to two precious girls, with a seemingly successful 20 year career in financial services behind me, my desire to go to university has surprised many. However, as is true in life, there is more to a person’s story than can be assumed from merely looking at them or applying presumptions about their stage in life... to understand my dream to go to university now, you need to understand what’s led me to this point.
As an 18 year old, fresh from scraping through my A-levels, I had the opportunity to go to university. At that point, however, I was trying to...
“I was very restless, but finally I found my way” - Emma Bonino
Way back in 2010 I was entering my first year of GCSE's. I was 14, I considered myself pretty clever and, most importantly, I had a plan. 8 years later I've thrown that plan out of the window and I'm starting again.
I was dead-set on going to an Oxbridge university. Then I changed my mind, then I decided not to go to university at all, until I did go. Then left. Then vowed never to go back. Yet...
Hi, welcome to what I believe will be my final EPQ advice blog. Sorry this has come later than expected, but, after taking you through researching your topic (read about it here), here are the dos and don’ts of writing your academic EPQ essay (or any academic essay for that matter:
DO make an essay plan – my essay plan was honestly my saviour throughout the writing process. It kept me sane. Without a plan, it’s easy to get lost in all the words and points and research, leaving you with a final product which is illogical and difficult to follow. Even having some basic ideas like different sections to your essay can keep you on track.
When the buzz of Fresher’s Week dies down and Fresher’s Flu kicks in homesickness tends to launch a sneak attack. It’s something that happens to many students, not just first years, and it’s something than can be managed without ruining your Uni experience.
Try following these simple steps!
Keep in contact with family
It’s very easy to let your contact with family and friends from back home slide when you’re at Uni but with social media it’s incredibly easy now to stay in contact! Make sure to have a catch-up with your family and friends as often as you can, even if it’s just once a week. Send them a quick text or have a mammoth...
Why study an apprenticeship? The biggest draw for many is the fact you earn while you learn, but you also experience what full-time employment is like and receive a qualification at the same time!
But don't just take our word for it. Alex and Conor, who are both apprentices at Airbus Group, share their experiences first hand with us.
What are your daily activities?
Alex: My current placement within the business is in A350 Lineside Quality. My daily activities in this department include carrying out technical investigations in order to discover the root cause of a certain issue or non-...
I’ve had many different opinions about applying for uni. When I was in my final year of sixth form, I applied much like many other people in my year. After applying and receiving my offers I changed my mind and withdrew my application. I realised the courses I applied for just weren’t the ones I wanted to be doing and at the time uni just wasn’t for me. However, after working for a couple of years I completely changed my mind.
For the last few years I’ve toyed around with ideas of writing, creating little pieces here and there. I’ve run a blog where...
Apprenticeships come in all shapes and sizes but did you know that loads of famous people began their careers as apprentices?
Elvis Presley was an apprentice electrician, Sir Alex Ferguson was an apprentice tool worker and Ozzy Osbourne started out as an apprentice plumber. Admittedly they didn’t become famous in their chosen apprenticeship careers but the skills they learnt stood them in good stead.
These transferable skills are what employers rave about. They say that apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. They can communicate effectively, plan and think ahead and are helpful and trustworthy.
So don’t rule out the apprenticeship route, it could be the road to success. Jamie Oliver, Gordon Ramsey and Gary Rhodes all did apprenticeships in culinary skills. John Frieda in hairdressing and Ruth Badger from The Apprentice studied a business apprenticeship.
When I first received my unconditional offer I wasn’t as happy as you would imagine.
This year I am hoping to do English Literature BA as an undergraduate. I began my UCAS application in October last year and the offers started arriving within a week of submitting and my final offer arrived a month later. Disclaimer: don’t worry if your offers don’t arrive as quickly as mine, I was just lucky and you should remember that it can vary based on what course you apply for and the universities you choose to apply to. You should also note that the...
When starting university, you may be a little apprehensive as to whether or not you will make friends and fit in. It can be daunting leaving your comfort zone and starting somewhere new, regardless of who you are as a person. It can sometimes be difficult for LGBT students when starting somewhere new, as you have to go through the whole process of telling people who you are.
Thankfully, times are changing. It has become less of a taboo to be gay, and rightfully so people don’t treat you differently because of who you like. Yet starting somewhere new always brings in self doubt: what if I’m not accepted? ...
Work while you study – an apprenticeship is a way to gain the skills, knowledge and experience you need to get into many careers. They combine work, training, and study, letting you 'earn while you learn'.
If you’re considering an apprenticeship, here are five things you should know:
1. Apprentices get paid
Apprentices are employed members of staff, and are paid a salary, a pension, and are entitled to other company benefits, just like everyone else.
2. You can get a full degree
All apprenticeships are fully certified by a university – this means you’ll receive a full degree at the end of your apprenticeship, and, in most cases, attend a graduation ceremony, much like a full-time university student.
3. You have to work and study – it can be tough
Unlike a full-time undergraduate university student, you’ll be in full-time employment, meaning you’ll be expected to work a full-time...